Volunteer Work with Sea turtles in Costa Rica
Program Overview
Volunteer with us at Romelia Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica, which protects over 230 hectares of tropical forests and beaches in the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world’s blue zones.
Our sea turtle conservation project runs from May to December. During this time, we conduct patrols, collect eggs, relocate them to the hatchery, and supervise the hatchery. Our research team is always in need of help—more hands mean we can conduct more frequent patrols, maintain a 24-hour surveillance system with rotating volunteers throughout the night at the hatchery and on the beach, and assist with hatchling releases to the sea.
Frequent patrols, full-time hatchery surveillance, and data collection are fundamental for the success of our conservation project. Volunteers are essential to the success of artificial hatcheries.
- Lodging in mixed dorms and 3 vegetarian meals daily (dietary needs accommodated).
- Remote: 45-min walk to Montezuma, no cell or Wi-Fi—perfect to unplug and connect with nature and people worldwide.
- Minimum stay: 5 days, 5 hours/day, rotating shifts.
- Applicants: provide a CV, reference, and travel health insurance.
Ready to dive deeper into this program?
Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.
Program Highlights
What's Included
Quick Details
- 1-2 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- 3-6 Months
- 5-8 Weeks
- Alternative Spring Break
- Multiple Year
- Summer
- Winter
- 9-12 Weeks
- 7-12 Months
- Biological Research
- Conservation
- Environment
- Wildlife
Updated Apr 15, 2026
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
Eligible Nationalities
- All Nationalities
- This Program is also open to Solo, Group
Education Levels & Language
- Language
- English
- Education
- Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Accommodation Options
- Dormitory
- Group living
Application Procedures
- Disciplinary Clearance Form
- Resume
- Letters of Reference
- Written Application
- Phone/Video Interview
Age Requirement
18-20, 26+
Duration
- 1-2 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- 3-6 Months
- 5-8 Weeks
- Alternative Spring Break
- Multiple Year
- Summer
- Winter
- 9-12 Weeks
- 7-12 Months
Starts At
Salary & Compensation
No Salary Compensation
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all the most common questions about Refugio Nacional Vida Silvestre Romelia.
What is the minimun time I can volunteer?
We require participants to stay a minimum of 5 days. We are remote, and participants need at least one day to travel, one for adjusting and training, and one day to leave.
Can I come with my children?
We do not accept applicants 18 years or younger because of the remoteness of our station; we don't find it safe for young kids.
Do you have wifi?
No, the station does not have wifi available for volunteers; we recommend getting a cellular chip from the local companies. There is signal only on the beach.
Can I come with my wife/husband?
You can, keeping in mind that our dorm is mixed; we do not have private rooms.
Where is the closes town?
Montezuma is the closest town and is 40 minutes by foot from our station.
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